Enjoying the sweetness of service

In preparation for taking the young women of our ward on a four-day temple trip this fall we have set year-long goals for all of us which include activities on such things as family history, temple marriage, worthiness, fund raising, and service. On Wednesday we went to an adult day-care facility for developmentally disabled adults to give hand massages and manicures. This first picture was taken before we left the church.

Chase's yoga teacher, Miss Nancy, helped us organize the activity - she is SO wonderful! Upon arriving she showed all of us how to give a hand massage on hands that may be more sensitive than typical.

What we learned? There is nothing like the power of touch. Nancy commented to me that often we bring youth into a facility such as a nursing home and have them read to the residents or sing to them or bring them treats but when you physically touch someone there is a connection of caring and love. Some of our girls walked into this activity feeling a little nervous from not knowing what to expect but all recognized the Spirit that was felt and requested to return again! I think we all made new friends that day.
We sang them an impromptu song before we left:

Thursday I was able to attend a session at the temple. Austin went with me and enjoyed the visitors center while I was inside the temple. It was nice to be able to go. Although temple service benefits others, how amazing it is that it benefits us also!
Friday night the young women got together to paint beads they will exchange with girls they do not know at camp this summer. They are each painting 30 identical beads that represent themselves (molly painted a musical note on hers, mine so far are only base coated green since it is my favorite color. I still need to put on a design that represents me) and they will seek out girls they do not know and can present them with a bead to make a new friend. I am excited about this fun form of service.